
Guizhou's Fruitful Eco-Construction: from 'Experimental Zone' to 'Pilot Zone'
Citizens visit Denggaoyunshan Park in Guiyang City.
GUIYANG, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 27 June 2025 - Eco Forum Global Guyang 2025 will be held in Guiyang, Guizhou from July 5th to 6th. Guizhou, located in the southwest of China, is using an ecological pen to paint a gorgeous green picture along her mountains and rivers. From an 'Experimental Zone' to a 'Pilot Zone', Guizhou has embarked on a new path of green development characterized with prosperous economy, wealthy people and ecological beauty.Guizhou persists in winning the 'Five Major Battles' of pollution prevention and control and coordinates the integrated eco-restoration of mountains, rivers, lakes, farmland, forests, grasslands and deserts. By 2024, the ambient air quality in 9 key cities and 88 counties in Guizhou has met Grade II, and the overall surface water quality has been remarkable. The excellent water quality rate of 222 monitoring sections of major rivers is 99.1%, and that of 23 exit sections reaches 100%. The water quality compliance rate of centralized drinking water sources at or above the county level remains 100%.The Wushui River (Wuyang River) in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture has been successfully selected as one of the Outstanding Cases of Beautiful Rivers and Lakes in China. Since 2019, the water quality in Qiandongnan Prefecture has been among the top 10 in China for six consecutive years. Mr. Wu Hougui, a member of the Loong Boat Team in Ximen Community, Zhenyuan County, said, 'The Loong Boat Competition tradition can not be inherited for thousands of years without lucid waters and lush mountains.'Guizhou is accelerating the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, integrating green and low-carbon concept throughout the entire process of high-quality development. Guizhou has successfully established 85 national level green factories and 22 green industrial parks. The green economy accounts for about 48%.The first commercial hydrogen locomotive in China has started trial operation on Guizhou Meijin Railway Special Line in Zhongshan District, Liupanshui City, opening up a new path for clean coal transportation. The construction of 'Electric Guizhou' has achieved fruitful results. Since the beginning of 2025, a total of 3,054 electric heavy-duty trucks have been promoted and applied in the energy sector, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by about 332,000 tons.The forestry has also achieved a huge leap forward. In 2014, the total output value of Guizhou's forestry was only 60.1 billion yuan, and it exceeded 465.4 billion yuan in 2024. Over the past decade, the forest coverage rate has increased from 49% to 63.3%, with a forest area of 166 million mu.In 2024, Guizhou took the lead in establishing a unified and standardized mechanism for issuing forestry carbon tickets at the provincial level in China, granting the first batch of 10 provincial forestry carbon tickets and achieving a total of 11 million yuan in transactions. In addition, a total of 120 water rights transactions have been completed, with a transaction volume of 86.0287 million cubic meters, amounting to 31.5387 million yuan.Guizhou's tradition of 'Tree Planting for New Year Celebrations' has continued for 11 years, with 605 million more seedlings newly planted here. Since the 14Five-Year-Plan, Guizhou has shifted its greening focus from 'coverage expansion' to 'quality improvement'. Through projects such as degraded forest restoration and forest nurturing, the forest has been both 'greened' and 'increased in value'.Meanwhile, with both 'civil defense and technical defense', Guizhou has successfully protected the ecological foundation. For instance, there are 87 remote video surveillance points established in Guiyang to prevent forest fire. There are 400 infrared cameras installed to track the rare species in Mount Fanjing and more than 40,000 forest chiefs ready to guard forest resources.Guizhou has implemented the strategy of 'Refined Development of Rich Minerals' to promote efficient utilization of resources. In the field of phosphorus chemical industry, Qiannan Prefecture has laid out modern chemical and new energy battery material industries, realizing the transformation of phosphorus from 'fertilizer' to 'material'. The total output value of phosphorus based modern chemical and new energy battery materials has exceeded 50 billion yuan. Furthermore, in the field of aluminum industry, Shuicheng Economic Development Zone has achieved 100% in-situ conversion of aluminum liquid, and the number of aluminum related enterprises has increased from 1 in 2016 to 54.Guizhou is also actively developing the cultural tourism industry and digital economy. The Zhenyuan Loong Boat Race Cultural Festival has unleashed the consumption potential of cultural tourism. During the Loong Boat Festival this year, Zhenyuan County received 253,900 tourists, realizing a total tourism revenue of 234 million yuan. Additionally, Guizhou's digital economy growth rate has been among the top in the country for 9 consecutive years. There are 48 national key data centers under construction and in operation, making Guizhou one of the regions with the most intelligent computing resources and the strongest capabilities in China.Hashtag: #Guizhou
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Cambodia's border conflict with Thailand poses growing economic risks, analyst warns
PHNOM PENH: Cambodia's ongoing border conflict with Thailand is beginning to inflict significant economic costs, particularly in tourism, displaced communities, and remittance flows, according to an opinion article by Kosalthanan Neth, research fellow at the China-Asean Studies Centre, Cam Tech University. The piece, titled 'Economic consequences of Cambodia's border conflict with Thailand', was published on the Khmer Times website on Monday (Aug 18). The analysis recalls the May 28 clash in the Emerald Triangle, where Cambodian and Thai soldiers confronted each other, leaving one Cambodian soldier dead and sharply escalating tensions. In the aftermath, border crossings were shut, Cambodia banned Thai imports of fruits, vegetables, telecoms, and energy, and both sides traded accusations over the causes of the clash. Kosalthanan's assessment highlights four key areas of economic impact: trade, tourism, displaced families, and migrant workers. Cambodia's import bans target goods where it already enjoys comparative advantage, such as fruits and vegetables. In the first seven months of 2025, Cambodia exported US$1.45 billion of fruits and vegetables, while only importing US$9.6 million from Thailand, making substitution feasible. Energy imports such as diesel and LPG were also banned, with Singapore and Vietnam expected to fill the gap. However, vulnerabilities remain. Cambodia imported US$41 million of fertilisers from Thailand in 2024, and exported US$130 million in cassava — mostly raw — to Thailand in the first seven months of 2025. With land transport restricted, cassava exports risk steep declines unless domestic processing expands to serve China and other markets. Tourism has suffered the steepest decline. Thailand was Cambodia's largest tourist source in 2024, sending 2.15 million visitors (32% of total arrivals). But after the border clash, July ticket sales at Angkor Wat from Thai nationals plunged 92.3% year-on-year. The perception of risk, particularly given Angkor Wat's proximity to the border (161 km), has deterred not only Thai but also other international travellers. In 2024, tourism supported around 510,000 direct jobs. Vendors, restaurants, and hospitality workers now face severe income losses. The fighting has displaced an estimated 120,000 people in border provinces, disrupting farming, destroying crops and livestock, and halting businesses. Their lost income impedes debt repayment, raising the risk of defaults. The National Bank of Cambodia, together with 12 commercial banks, has launched temporary debt relief for soldiers, displaced families, and dependents, but these are stopgap measures. As of May, 1.2 million Cambodian migrant workers were employed in Thailand, remitting at least US$1 billion in 2024. Should relations deteriorate, many could be forced home, cutting household remittances sharply and adding to debt stress. Cambodia currently has only 100,000 job openings, far below the capacity needed to absorb a large returning workforce. Kosalthanan recommended measures including: >Developing alternative logistics for domestic fruits and vegetables. >Investing in cassava processing to export to China. >Promoting alternative tourism destinations such as Sihanoukville and eco-tourism. >Monitoring debt health of displaced families and offering grants and agricultural inputs. >Reskilling returnees and expanding labour-intensive sectors like construction and manufacturing. He also stressed the need to pursue diplomacy and Asean mechanisms to maintain peace, with international observers helping ensure fairness. While Cambodia's reliance on Thai imports in banned categories is limited, the tourism sector, displaced families, and remittance flows face acute pressure. Without a comprehensive mitigation plan, the socio-economic fallout will deepen. 'Both countries must commit to diplomacy and constructive dialogue to uphold the ceasefire, restore peace, and reopen trade. In the end, armed conflict serves no one's interests but only causes economic loss and human suffering on all sides,' Kosalthanan concluded. - The Nation/ANN


Malay Mail
6 days ago
- Malay Mail
Paradise under pressure: Semporna's tourism boom bites back
SEMPORNA, Aug 15 — Once a rugged coastal town, Semporna has transformed into a thriving hub for tourists, with thousands arriving daily to explore the pristine islands off Sabah's east coast. An estimated 2,000 visitors, mostly from mainland China, now arrive in Semporna each day, fuelling demand for services ranging from boat guides and accommodation to souvenir shops and seafood restaurants. Clusters of water bungalows, both on the mainland and nearby islands, have been sprouting up, earning Semporna the nickname 'Malaysia's Maldives' for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque beaches. Alongside the surge, however, come opportunities for locals as well as mounting concerns — from socio-economic pressures to environmental and infrastructure strain. Stalls selling tourist souvenirs line the busy Dragon Inn lane in Semporna. — Picture by Julia Chan Local businesses being squeezed out Many long-standing business owners say they are being edged out by tour operators and enterprises linked to China. These operators often control the entire tourist experience — from transport and meals to accommodation — leaving little room for local enterprises to tap into the spending. 'You see a lot of tourists. Maybe about half the people you see around town are tourists. But the income does not reflect a surge in business. 'Tourists are coming, yes, but they eat at their own restaurants, stay in their own hotels, buy souvenirs from their own shops,' said a local Chinese shop owner who only wanted to be known as Wong. By 'their,' he meant Chinese-owned businesses. Locals claim the rapid proliferation of such outlets is reshaping the town's commercial identity and determining who profits. Fruit stands like this can be found every 50 metres in Semporna. — Picture by Julia Chan Government authorities, including the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment and the local district office, insist no licences of any kind have been granted to foreign nationals, and on paper, the businesses are legitimate. According to locals, many Chinese owners operate through Malaysian 'partners' who serve as proxies, often in name only. The tourism boom has also driven up property prices, with rents at newer shoplots climbing sharply. In town, convenience stores, juice stalls, hotels, restaurants, and souvenir outlets — selling items such as bird's nest and dried seafood — now dominate the streetscape. Older parts of town still house sundry shops and local eateries such as mamaks. 'We just can't compete with the high rent and low margins. Some of the older restaurants and shops have already closed,' Wong said. Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing joins enforcement officers on a sea patrol in Tawau to inspect boats for valid permits and safety compliance. — Picture via Facebook/Dato' Seri Tiong King Sing Illegal operations uncovered in Tawau The issue of foreign-linked tourism businesses operating outside legal bounds isn't confined to Semporna. In nearby Tawau, a recent joint enforcement operation led by Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing uncovered several tour companies — previously believed to be locally owned — that were in fact run by Chinese investors and linked to illegal activities. These included unlicensed overwater chalets, aquaculture farms without approval, and homestays built on agricultural or livestock land. 'I have received numerous complaints about irregularities and illegal activities at tourist sites, which are damaging the safety reputation of Malaysia's tourism industry,' Tiong said in a statement on Facebook. He warned that operating without proper certification posed serious safety and management risks, and could lead to tragedy if accidents occur. While welcoming foreign investment in tourism, he stressed it must be done legally and in full compliance with Malaysian laws. 'Welcoming investors does not mean turning a blind eye. Whether they are from China or anywhere else, those involved in illegal activities, malpractice or the misuse of rental licences to evade the law will not be tolerated,' he said. During the Tawau operation, enforcement teams inspected 30 buses and tourist vehicles, 15 tourism business premises, 40 boats and four jetties, issuing nine summonses. Sea patrols found some vessels over capacity, without valid permits or carrying unverified documents. Roadblocks were also set up to check bus permits and driving licences. Tiong has urged local authorities to act swiftly, investigate suspicious operations, and shut down businesses operating without valid licences. With no designated main jetty, boat operators use any available docking area. — Picture by Julia Chan Infrastructure falling behind Semporna's infrastructure, designed for a much smaller population, is struggling to cope. Power and water shortages occur, and rubbish piles up faster than it can be collected. 'The town just isn't ready for this many people every day,' said dive guide Tommy Abdullah. 'The rubbish is out of control, and the sewer smell is everywhere. The authorities can't keep up.' Locals say existing systems cannot sustain more development, even as new projects are planned. At a recent State Assembly sitting, Sulabayan assemblyman Datuk Jaujan Sambakong said Semporna lacks a proper tourist jetty despite its growing popularity. Without a proper tourism jetty, boats in Semporna dock haphazardly along the waterfront. — Picture by Julia Chan 'Semporna is already considered an international tourist attraction. But our tourism jetty is still made of wood. 'There's no proper platform and the boats are docking in disorganised spots. It's not just inconvenient but also poses safety risks,' he said. He also pointed to poor road conditions and clogged drains in the district. 'Jalan Masbah looks more like gravel than a paved road. 'Even the drains are clogged with grass cuttings and rubbish dumped by contractors,' he said. District office executive officer Ali Adam Hamzah said cleanliness has improved in recent years, though the rubbish load remains challenging. 'There have been more investors coming in over the last decade, and we are trying to keep up. 'At the moment it is manageable. We do get a lot of feedback about the rubbish — on land and at sea — and we have been doing our best,' he said. The district office recently bought three additional rubbish trucks, bringing the fleet to eight or nine. Waste management remains a major problem, particularly around local water villages. — Picture by Julia Chan But waste at sea, particularly around inhabited islands like Bum Bum, is harder to manage as they fall outside the council's jurisdiction. 'Most of the problems come from the islands. In the city, we have it under control. According to feedback from tourists, businesses, and residents, it is getting better, cleaner. We are trying, but it's hard to tackle it 100 per cent. 'Of course, with more businesses and hotels, as the local council we are in support, because it also means more revenue. And with more revenue, we will be able to provide better service to everyone,' he said. With limited rubbish collection at sea, waste from nearby islands often ends up floating into Semporna's waters. — Picture by Julia Chan Environmental toll Marine pollution is another growing concern, with reports of increased fish bombing and cyanide use by fishermen under pressure to meet seafood demand from tourists. With seafood a major draw for Chinese visitors, local conservationists say unsustainable fishing practices are becoming more common. 'Restaurant owners pay the Bajau Laut fishermen to use illegal methods like cyanide fishing or blast fishing to quickly secure large hauls. You can hear the fish bombs go off underwater if you're diving or snorkelling,' said Tommy. 'It's not just damaging to the reefs, but also to the people doing it. Tourists come for diving and snorkelling, but if the coral's destroyed, the marine life will eventually go too — then what will be left?' he said. Local businesswoman Noorlita says the town cannot sustain the tourism boom on its own. — Picture by Julia Chan Calls for responsible tourism and regulation Despite the challenges, many residents still welcome tourism — but say it must be managed responsibly. As Semporna becomes more reliant on the Chinese market, locals are calling for regulation and enforcement — from proper licensing of businesses to environmental protection and fairer distribution of benefits. 'The government needs to step in,' said Norlita Mohd Musa, who runs a shop selling local seafood specialities and general goods. 'We're not saying 'no tourists.' We want more tourists. We're saying 'let's do this in a way that helps our town, our people'… otherwise what is the point?' she said. 'This is our home,' said Hidayah Suhaimi, who runs a souvenir stall near Dragon Inn. 'We were here before the tourists, and we will be here for a long time. So we want it to grow, but not at the expense of everything else.'


Malaysian Reserve
13-08-2025
- Malaysian Reserve
MOTAC allocates RM10.14m to Negeri Sembilan for tourism, heritage conservation projects
SEREMBAN — The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) has allocated RM10.14 million to Negeri Sembilan this year under the Restoration, Conservation, Renovation and Upgrading Programme (PPUN), as part of efforts to preserve heritage and strengthen the state's tourism sector. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun (picture) said the allocation reflects the federal government's holistic and strategic commitment to ensuring the state's heritage, tourism and cultural identity are preserved, elevated and developed. Aminuddin said 18 tourism and conservation projects have been approved under PPUN in districts including Port Dickson, Kuala Pilah, Rembau, Jelebu and Tampin. 'All these projects will breathe new life into the state's tourism destinations and reinforce the Visit Negeri Sembilan Year 2026 campaign,' he told reporters here today. According to him, one of the key projects is the RM1.2 million conservation and relocation of Masjid Lama Parit Istana to the Masjid Tanjung Beringin area, aimed at preserving Islamic history and traditional Malay architecture. He said RM800,000 has been allocated to upgrade Masjid Tanjung Beringin, transforming the mosque into a more inclusive and conducive heritage and worship centre, as well as improving the lighting and landscape of the Port Dickson Clock Tower. '(Other projects include) the maintenance of landmarks at the Sunggala Roundabout, the Lukut-Sepang junction and the Port Dickson gateway (as well as) development of ecotourism at the Gunung Datuk Eco Forest Park, Kenaboi State Park and Ulu Bendul Eco Forest Park. 'RM500,000 has been allocated to upgrade the Pulau Burung jetty and the watchtower (phase two), which will create new opportunities for the maritime tourism sector and biodiversity conservation,' he said. Aminuddin said that based on Tourism Malaysia's accommodation survey, the state recorded a significant rise in international tourist arrivals last year, with 0.46 million visitors compared to 0.34 million in 2023, an increase of 35.1 per cent. He added that the increase placed Negeri Sembilan sixth among 13 states and three Federal Territories, making it one of Malaysia's emerging tourism destinations. — BERNAMA